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Top 10 Foods to Prevent and Cure Cancer

Wherever there are diseases there are cures – Mother Nature is just as adept to cure as she is to destroy. Cancer is no different from the many of the diseases in this world. For most people the thought of a natural remedy to cancer is futile or too “hippie” like. Given the life or death nature of cancer people are likely to opt for a strict regime of drugs and therapies than to consider natural remedies.

The fact of the matter is that what we consume has a huge impact on our resilience against cancer and other diseases. Certain foods have potent anti-cancer properties that have been proven to prevent and cure various types of cancers – In fact there have been cases where even a placebo has been effective at curing cancer![1]

It’s important to note that certain foods are particularly effective towards certain types of cancers and that consuming these foods will not alone prevent or cure cancer – there are various factors that determine your susceptibility to cancer (genetics, lifestyle, age etc.) Nevertheless, a balanced-healthy diet that contains these anti-cancer foods can create a strong defense in preventing and curing cancer.

Let’s look at some simple everyday foods that can be easily integrated in your diet to fight cancer. The list contains primarily notable foods that have particular potent anticancer properties rather than fruits and vegetables found in common diets.

The Top 10 Cancer Fighting Foods

1. Olive Oil

A staple ingredient of many Mediterranean meals is olive oil which contains oleic acid – the primary monounsaturated fat in olive oil which has a protective effect against cancers. In addition it contains a high concentration of phenolic antioxidants that inhibit oxidative damage caused by free radicals.[2]

2. Whole Grains

Replacing processed grains with whole grains can make a world of difference in preventing cancers and maintaining well-being. Whole grains such as oats, brown rice, corn, barley and whole wheat contain fiber, protease inhibitors (stops cancer cells from spreading), and polyphenols (antioxidants) that all prevent cancer cells from developing and multiplying.

Particularly effective against: Colon and breast cancer

3. Seaweed

The largest consumers of seaweed are the Japanese and it’s not a coincidence that they also have the longest lifespans than any other country in the world. Seaweed is a powerhouse of micronutrients that regenerate cells and antioxidants that protect them. The micronutrients present have also been shown to soften tumors and inhibit growth of cancerous cells.[6]

Particularly effective against: Breast and prostate cancer

4. Cruciferous Vegetables

Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, arugula and Brussels sprout are known as cruciferous vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables are loaded with phytochemicals (primarily indoles and isothiocynates) that break down into enzymes that inhibit cancer growth. These effectively protect DNA damage in cells and help to inactivate the carcinogens that cause cancer to spread.

5. Berries

We’ve heard that berries are good for our health but did you know that the abundance of antioxidants within them is potent against cancer as well? The antioxidants present within berries protect us from free radicals that can damage DNA and cause cancer. In addition, berries are a great source of vitamin C which stimulates and strengthens the immune system. Opt for blueberries or strawberries if you can for their extremely potent antioxidant properties.

6. Seeds and Nuts

Seeds such as flaxseed and nuts such as Brazil nuts contain a plentiful array of potent antioxidants and omega 3 fatty acids that protect you against cancer. More controversially, vitamin B17 (Amygdalin) which is obtained from apricot seeds is part of an effective alternative treatment (Laetrile) to cancer. Vitamin B17 is highly effective in killing cancerous cells and boosting the immune system.[7]

7. Red Wine (and Grapes)

Although it’s not necessarily a food red wine is a worthy addition to your diet. The polyphenol resveratrol is a particularly strong antioxidant that has been found to protect against various cancers by neutralizing free radicals. On the other hand, the alcohol content within red wine is considered a carcinogen which can cause cancer so it is best to drink in moderation or opt for non-alcoholic red wines – better yet consuming grapes alone will provide the necessary anticancer effects.

9. Herbs and Spices

Various types of herbs and spices have been known to provide positive health benefits however the most effective ones include tumeric, rosemary and garlic. Tumeric and Rosemary both have antioxidant (curcumin) and anti-inflammatory properties that work on a molecular level to interfere with the cancer cell’s signalling and production. Garlic on the other hand turbo charge the immune system to produce immune cells that fight cancer. It also blocks carcinogens from contaminating health cells whilst slowing down tumor development.

Particularly effective against: All types of cancers

10. Tea

The benefits of tea are plentiful and extend as far as preventing and curing cancer. Teas such as green tea are loaded with extremely powerful antioxidants called catechins. These prevent cancer cells from dividing and help prevent free radicals from damaging the DNA of cells. To take advantage of green tea’s antioxidant properties opt for ‘matcha’ a grounded version of the green tea leaf which provides as much as ten times the antioxidant effect.

Natural Is Best

Cancer is a prevalent disease that affects most of us some time in our lives. Whether we are the sufferers or we know of someone that has been affected it is something we must be wary of. Although there are various factors that can cause cancer it is in our best interest to minimize the risk by adopting a healthy lifestyle and a balanced diet that includes these top-ten anticancer foods.

By simply supplementing or incorporating these anticancer foods into your diet you can maximize your chances of preventing cancer or in the case of cancer sufferers cure it. This by all means should not be seen as a definitive guide to preventing or curing cancer but rather an alternative to the conventional drugs and therapies approach. After all, natural is best.